Opinion: Spotlight on our veterans groups
The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are two of the national Veterans organizations that were set up after World War I to assist veterans, their families and contribute to their local communities.
Many people have the wrong impression of what our Post Members do. We do not sit around drinking and talking about our war experiences.
We discuss fund-raising projects to help military families, and ways we can help our local communities. We have contests for intermediate and high schools students.
We acknowledge and honor outstanding Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts. We have memberships in the Chamber of Commerce.
Individually and jointly, our Post members have participated in numerous deeds such as collecting clothing and foods for recent flood and/or fire victims; also making cash donations to various military units and charity organizations, including the American Red Cross.
We adopted one unit of the National Guard and invited the troops and their families to enjoy an all-food and rides expense paid visit to the Rossmoor Festival.
Many of our members visit patients or assist in other ways at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, and other hospitals or therapy centers.
When we learn of troops returning from overseas tours of duty, we go to the airports to greet and welcome them home.
Our Ladies Auxiliaries also participate in many ways such as providing foods and presents to needy families at various times of the year, especially on the holidays.
Two of our greatest pleasures is to conduct the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in May, and Veterans Day in November at Eisenhower Park in Seal Beach. We appreciate the participation of the U. S Naval Sea Cadets who represent the Color Guard at each ceremony.
Another annual event is the Flag Retirement Ceremony we usually present at a local elementary school to help hundreds of youngsters learn more about the American Flag. It’s always such a pleasure to see many parents, teachers and staff personnel who also attend.
The most recognition veterans receive is when our Post and Auxiliary members walk or ride on Main Street in the annual Family Parade at Christmas time.
It is so important that local people honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our Vets and their families, as well as the deep commitment of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts that help other Veterans, and our local communities.
But, we have a growing problem.
Our Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam are aging more quickly than the general public. The death rate is increasing.
Due to physical impairments, inability to drive a car, or the need to attend to the needs of their spouses keeps many Veterans from doing many of the “duties” they used to do.
Fewer current members are attending meetings or participating in our annual National Holidays. Hundreds of men and women Veterans live in our areas and more are returning home from the various military services but do not have Veterans Post membership.
All are entitled to a variety of benefits but are not fully aware of what is available. Some Veterans choose to use the G.I. Bill for schooling. Many Veterans need to know about employment possibilities and about Veterans Hospital services, or other agencies that can help them with their specific problems or situations.
Membership in the American Legion and/or the Veterans of Foreign Wars will offer many answers to Veterans problems or situations. Our meetings are held once a month at the Seal Beach Naval Base.
We begin at 6 p.m. with a “Social Hour” while snacking and visiting with other members. Our regular meeting lasts about an hour or so. For additional information on becoming a member, as well as meeting times and dates, contact Bill Thomas by e-mail at bthomasvets@gmail.com or call (562) 431-7795.
Bill Thomas is a resident of Rossmoor and is the post commander of the local VFW Post.
